He played an average of 30 tournaments a year between 1996 and 2010. But like Stricker, he has added more off-weeks this year. Kelly played 26 tournaments in 2011 and 2012 and 22 last year.

He hopes playing less improves his game. He already has earned more this year ($1,263,060) than in either 2012 or 2013. Sunday he shot a 66 and putted very well. "I felt like every iron shot I was going to give myself a chance," he said. "I'm not missing greens. I'm hitting it just off when I miss it, and when I'm hitting it well, I'm hitting it very flush. I enjoy the way I'm playing."

Elliott Considers Champions Tour

John Elliott, who turned 50 in September, is considering giving the Champions Tour a try. He says he's trying to line up some sponsors and then will make a decision.

Elliott, a caddie at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Charlestown, R.I., was disappointed but still encouraged by his play in his first Connecticut Senior Open. Elliott, a graduate of Norwich Free Academy and a former PGA Tour member, three-putted for a par on the last hole of regulation to force a playoff. Then he hit a drive out of bounds on the second playoff hole where he lost to Jerry Courville.

While Elliott hit many quality shots, he admitted before the tournament he hadn't swung a club in three weeks. "I feel like I'm the best player here," he said. "I just didn't close the deal."